The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) escalated its trade union action on Friday, launching a full islandwide strike from 8 a.m. on April 4 over what it calls politically motivated and illegal doctor transfer lists.
The strike follows several days of token work stoppages and centres on transfer orders that the GMOA says were issued without the approval of the Transfer Board, violating established procedures.
Government ultimatum
Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa responded with a hard-line ultimatum, ordering 453 newly qualified post-intern doctors to apply for government service positions by 12 noon on Saturday, April 4. Doctors who miss the deadline will permanently forfeit their posts and salaries, the minister warned, and would only be reconsidered in future recruitment cycles with Public Service Commission approval — placing them behind approximately 1,300 subsequent applicants.
The GMOA swiftly rejected the demand. Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa confirmed that post-intern doctors have been instructed not to apply before the Saturday deadline.
“You are allergic to discussions… we will give you another opportunity,” Dr. Sugathadasa said, directing his remarks at the Health Minister.
Impact on hospitals
The strike affects government hospitals across the island, with the GMOA highlighting ongoing difficulties in rural healthcare facilities caused by what it describes as unfair transfer decisions. Emergency services are expected to continue under essential service provisions, but outpatient departments and routine care face significant disruption.
The standoff represents the most serious confrontation between the medical profession and the current government since it took office, with neither side showing signs of backing down as the weekend deadline approaches.